Save Tower Hill Dog Park

Due to persistent pressure from a very small group of residents,
the off-leash dog area at Tower Hill Rd. In Richmond Hill is scheduled to close
once the new facility at Phyllis Rawlinson Park is created.

The History: In October of 2009, after a decade of requests and advocacy by members of the community of Richmond Hill, the Parks Recreation and Culture department investigated many sites in detail and finally created the Town’s first off leash area. The site was deemed a ‘pilot study’ for one year subject to review in 2010.  Environmental assessments, feasibility studies and community input opportunities in addition to the painstaking background research regarding site, protocols and utility of other successful off-leash parks have been the foundation for the construction and establishment of this park.  This Off Leash Dog Area is a people park and has been an overwhelming success, both for community-building and for the local businesses.

The Residents’ Petition to Close our Park: In July 2010, a petition to close our park was filed to the Town by this small group of residents.  YOU CAN READ THE RESIDENTS’ PETITION TO CLOSE THE PARK HERE.  Sources have discovered that many of  the names on the petition did not include addresses and were not traceable to actual individuals living in Richmond Hill, and of those that were (a handful of residents whose houses are on the opposite side of the ravine), there was no compromise that would satisfy them other than closing the park entirely.  A campaign to bully, intimidate and pressure municipal council into bending to their will began and continued for the next 9 months.

The Rebuttal and Defense: Once the petition was submitted to council, several park advocates worked to reveal the true motive behind the petition -  that this small group of residents did not want anyone using town-owned greenspace across the valley from their properties as community parkland.  Their exaggerated and false arguments maligned and criticized the character and integrity of dog-owners as being wholly irresponsible which outraged a nearby park-supporter enough to write a detailed rebuttal to each of their complaints.  View the entire rebuttal HERE.

The Decision: In April 2011,  in the face of a lengthy smear campaign by those residents which was filled with disinformation, exaggeration and threats of legal action, our Town Council made a decision to close the Tower Hill site as soon as the Phyllis Rawlinson Area opened.  There was a plea made by some  councillors that the site remain open at least for an additional year to see if the new location would relieve some of the pressure on the Tower Hill site before reassessing.  As it has been from the beginning, this group of residents will not accept anything short of CLOSING THE PARK as the final  outcome.

What can you do? We are a concerned group of individuals trying to rally support to appeal Council’s decision.  This Park has become a victim of its own success because of its accessibility, cleanliness, safety and unique beauty.  It has become clear that Richmond Hill needs more than one park for the more than 11,000 households with dogs and local businesses benefit from its proximity. Why are we letting Council close it down at the bidding of a few residents who refuse to work with the Town to have their concerns addressed democratically?   Please Sign our own PETITION TO SAVE TOWER HILL PARK.   We cannot allow this to happen without an appeal for fairness and inclusiveness.   We should not let our park close !!